government might bring civil fraud charges against the firm, one of the biggest hedge funds in the world. during a conference call with investors, the company said it has received a so-called wells notice from the securities and exchange commission, often the first step to formal charges. the move comes a week after a former portfolio manager was charged with running the most lucrative insider trading schemes. s.a.c.'s billionaire founder, steve cohen, told clients he is confident that he "acted appropriately." well, another big company today authorizing a special dividend in anticipation of higher taxes next year. now it's costco jumping on the dividend bandwagon as a way to beat some of the impact of the fiscal cliff fallout. the wholesale club operator announced a special dividend of $7 a share to investors. it will cost the firm an estimated $3 billion. >> susie: tom, investors like the news. cosco's shares rose more than 6%, or $6, and a gain of of%. >> tom: we've seen a list of companies providing these special dividends, and we'll have more reporting on that tomorrow. today, meant